Literary Themed Wedding at Bella Collina
Elegant, romantic, and filled with things we love. A little bit of Tuscany comes to Florida.
Q & A With the Bride
Overall Ceremony and Reception Theme
“Our wedding had a love stories literary theme, as we are both avid readers and felt like our wedding was the next chapter in our own love story. We used books in our décor in a variety of ways, including an antique library card catalog that our florist filled with gorgeous flowers! In lieu of a guest book, we asked our guests to write marriage advice on borrowing cards from the back of library books. Each table at our reception was named after a couple from literature.”
Wedding Invitations
“We bought them at The Paper Shop in Winter Park, FL”
Wedding Flowers
“Lee James Floral did an absolutely incredible job on our flowers. We used a variety, but incorporated a variety of orchid species in our decor, bouquets, and boutonnieres because my husband raises orchids as a hobby.”
Ceremony Music
- Processional – “Bittersweet Symphony” by The Verve
- Bride’s Entrance – “Canon in D” by Pachelbel
- Recessional – “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles
Best Wedding Planning Advice you Received?
“Some of the best advice I received was to hire a videographer, since a lot of people don’t want to or feel they can’t spend the money on having their wedding filmed. I would honestly have sacrificed other things if needed in order to make that happen, because having the video is absolutely precious to me.
“The other advice I received is not to cut corners when it comes to the photographer, and I agree wholeheartedly. Photography (and videography, if you choose) is one of the few things that remains as a reminder of your wedding when it’s over, and it’s absolutely worth it to have a professional who does a great job and will capture your day in a way that speaks to you.
“I would tell brides to consider having a first look with your future husband before the ceremony. It was so much more emotional than I ever expected, and we have it all photographed and on film, which I cherish so much! Just seeing the look on my husband’s face when he saw me for the first time was priceless. I’ll never forget it.
“I would also tell brides to stay in the moment on their wedding day. Be conscious of everything that is going on around you. Take the time to do the things you really want to do, and really <em>be</em> with your husband. I hear a lot of brides say that their wedding day was a blur, or they didn’t get to try their cake beyond the first bite, or they wish they had danced more. I can honestly say that the two of us had a blast and we were in the moment the entire time. Our wedding was one of the best days of my life and I had an amazing time!”
Groom’s Attire
“My husband wore a Vera Wang tuxedo in gray with black patent leather dress shoes, and a silver necktie.”
Groomsmen Gift
“Each of our groomsmen received Italian leather flasks purchased in Florence by my mom. We also had two junior groomsmen (our nephews) who received wallets engraved with their names.”
Bride’s Attire
“My dress was designed by Melissa Sweet and my shoes were designed by Ivanka Trump.”
Bridesmaids Gift
“I gave each of my bridesmaids an Alex and Ani bracelet that I felt reflected their personality and our friendship. I loved that each bracelet had a meaning and it was so much fun to pick them out.”
Describe the Bridesmaids’ Attire
“My bridesmaids wore navy satin gowns with a rhinestone brooch detail on the side, which were made by David’s Bridal. They all wore silver shoes of their choosing.”
“Rob and I chose to write our own vows. Even though we had read each other’s before the ceremony – we helped each other write them! It was even more emotional to read in front of the people we love the most.
“Our reception was an absolute blast. My parents, our best man, maid of honor, and my husband’s brother, Brian, gave toasts and shared memories of me and Rob. The food was incredible and I made sure I got to enjoy it! Our DJ played a great variety of music that had everyone on the dance floor all night long, and our photo booth was constantly busy!
“One of my favorite moments came at the very end of the reception when everyone had left the ballroom, our DJ played a song that was meaningful to us and we had a private last dance. I loved having that moment to connect as a newly married couple.”
Wedding Favors
“Each person received a bookmark with a quote about love and our wedding date on it, tied with a navy ribbon (one of our main colors). Our bookmarks were made by Dogwood Blossoms. We also had an amazing photo booth provided by Photobooth Rocks with lots of props and our guests got to take home copies of their photos.”
Click to get more custom photo booth backdrop ideas like the one below!
Wedding Budget Breakdown
- Venue, Floral and Décor – $12,000
- Wedding Day Stationery (incl. large book designed seating chart) – $500
- Chalk Signs including props for photo booth – $800
- Lighting, Linen and Espresso Bar – $3,000
Where did you go on your Honeymoon?
“We traveled to Oahu, Hawaii and stayed at the Outrigger Reef in Waikiki and then to Maui and stayed at the Westin on Kaanapali Beach.”
Meredith
Despite her dreamy wedding blogger lifestyle, Meredith's day job is running ClassicVeils.com and a full-time mom to an active toddler. If she could, Meredith would spend her days taking cruises, helping animals in need, and watching Big Brother!
